STRAIGHTEN UP UK! Simon Rose gives an insight into the South West’s Back Pain Issues

 This week is Back Care Awareness Week. Chiropractor Simon Rose of Longlevens Chiropractic & Sports Injury Clinic encourages people to straighten out their approach to back care, as new consumer research shows that almost half the UK population (48%*) has suffered from back pain.  Nearly 40% of sufferers in the South West have suffered from back or neck pain for more than ten years! Ouch!

 The research, commissioned by the British Chiropractic Association, shows that 23% of people in the South West have suffered for over a year, yet 19% of these people have never sought any professional treatment or consultation for their pain even though back pain has prevented 54 % of people in the South West from sleeping.

Simon Rose comments: “Back pain is something which must not be swept aside – not just by sufferers but by people of all ages who should think about preventative measures. Research shows that 43% of people are limited in their activity by back and joint pain, so we all need to act to ease and prevent future problems to live life to the fullest”.

The British Chiropractic Association has developed a simple program of exercises called “Straighten Up UK” to help people get more active and prevent back pain in both adults and children. Easy to learn and do, it consists of precise, slow stretches, each with a specific purpose.

Simon Rose says: “The three minute exercise routine helps to promote an active lifestyle as well as balance, strength and flexibility in the spine, therefore reducing the risk of problems arising. Education on the importance of posture and back care cannot begin early enough, the sooner action is taken the less likely future back pain will be. With recent research by the BCA showing that 42.5% of people do not participate in any physical exercise, we must shape up and straighten up to keep our backs healthy”.

Visit the BCA website to see instructional videos on the Straighten Up UK routine and begin to tackle potential problems this Back Care Awareness Week. You will also find a range of advice, leaflets and video guides available to download from the BCA website www.chiropractic-uk.co.uk.

*research conducted in February 2012